Looking for New Camera...GL2 Died

S

scottfs

My venerable Canon GL2 died. The factory wants $1100 to fix it. Obviously, I'm not going to do that.

So, I'm looking for a full-sized prosumer camcorder. Max budget for camera about $3000. No DSLR, please.

I could go miniDV like the Canon, or using another storage medium.

I shoot interviews, sports, music performances, and the like.

Quality is the primary focus. I have a sound rig that I record on, so sound via camera not an issue. Visual quality is paramount.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. My school has Panasonic AG-HMC70, so I'm familiar with that camera. It works well, but I'm open to other options.
 
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My favorite in the $3,000 range is the JVC HM100. It records to
SDHC cards in native .mov format and has a great lens. It's an
excellent camera.

The Panasonic AG-HMC80 is a nice shoulder mount camera that also
records to SDHC cards and you are already familiar with it’s older
model.

Sony’s HVR-A1U is very nice and would be an excellent option.

Since you like Canon you should consider the XH-A1. Not my
favorite, but then I’m not really a Canon fan.
 
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As much as I haven't drunk the DSLR Koolaide, at that price point, I'd get a 5D MKII. If you are dead set against DSLR, you're probably talking used. I don't know a ton about the newest generation, but a used HVX200A is doable for under $3K. I've also heard OK things about the XH-A1.
 
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I have the HM100 and a 7D.

HM-100 is super easy and does quality audio and a decent picture (If lit really really well). It has two card slots that are hot swappable so theoretically you could record forever with enough cards. Auto-focus makes it easy for us to hand it to a less-experienced camera-op with a mic for great behind the scenes stuff.

If picture quality is what you want, the 7D crushes it.
 
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Since I'm shooting interviews and doing some commercial work, the 'customer factor' comes into play. They all light up when you bring the traditional prosumer in.

I helped on a shoot with the 7d. It was OK, but the camera kept overheating, so we could only get about 5 minutes or so. Since it was a short film, the actors could hang around rehearsing lines. We also had to bring in a separate monitor with a power source, etc. just to see what was going on.

I shoot sporting events and concerts as well. I don't want to have to stop the action to let the camera cool down.

Anyway, thanks for the advice.
 
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